Karen Sinders was the principal of Lufkin Road Middle School and that's where she died unexpectedly on Nov. 21.
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No further details have been released about her cause of death.
The water tower outside of the Apex Town Hall was lit red Tuesday as a tribute to her life. She was a shining light of the community, according to Mayor Jacques Gilbert.
"It has really impacted me and members of this community, because we're a tight-knit community," Gilbert said. "She's very humble and joyful and passionate about her assignment as school principal, and she instilled values into her kids and made sure they were a part of this community."
Sinders and Gilbert worked together on the Apex Public School Foundation.
"She was a leader who had immense impact and reach in the school and greater community. She will be greatly missed by the students and the staff here at Lufkin Middle School. Our thoughts are with her family and friends during this time of loss," a message from the school district read.
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Counselors and other support personnel will be available to students and staff to use as needed.
The school district said they expected students to feel "anxious, sad, fearful, angry, or vulnerable." The district also partnered with Transitions GriefCare in an effort to better support families through this difficult time.